Dec 5, 2014 By Steve Barrett 4 min read

WAYNESBURG – The annual Christmas Buffet at the Greene County Career and Technology Center has long become a local holiday tradition that is anticipated each year by the community.

And when the buffet returns to the GCCTC on Friday, Dec. 12, those who attend will be treated to more than just another great meal. Rather, they will witness a milestone celebration that will feature some exceptional guest chefs who will be working with the GCCTC’s culinary arts program students to create a true holiday feast.

This year, the Christmas buffet is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Dan Wagner, director of the culinary arts program, said this year’s event is going to be something special.

“To celebrate our milestone, we invited several chefs to bring their unique culinary flair and expertise to the buffet, which will certainly add much excitement for our culinary students and the community,” Wagner said. “This is undoubtedly going to be a very special buffet.”

The guest chefs who will be working with Wagner’s students and staff are Jeff Cecil, whose impressive resume includes serving as chef for country music stars Kenny Chesney and George Strait; Kathleen Kenney, a pastry chef from Sullivan University of Louisville, Ky.; and Heather Gapen, pastry chef and owner of Willow Tree Farm in Greene County.

Each chef will have his or her own table at the buffet and will be paired with culinary students, who will be doing all of the cooking, Wagner said.

The buffet will consist of 18 or more entrees, 20 different salads and a wide array of desserts, including the return of the popular Bananas Foster bar, which was a huge success at last year’s buffet, Wagner said.

The chefs will be coming in early to work with the students and together the crews will be working diligently every day until the buffet, with the heavy workload being handled Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. In fact, Chef Cecil already visited the students this past Tuesday to begin discussing plans and ideas, Wagner said.

“Chef Cecil will be preparing his own southern style of cuisine and he will be featuring some items that Kenny Chesney and George Strait enjoyed on their tours,” Wagner said.

He also said that Chef Kenney will prepare and present various pastries, including a Croquembouche, which is a French wedding cake.

Wagner said the special attractions to this year’s buffet is a perfect way to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary.

“I really believe that this is going to be one of the most amazing Christmas buffets ever,” he said. “The kids love it, they work very, very hard and they really look forward to it. This has truly become a special event and a great holiday tradition in Greene County.”

Wagner said the first Christmas buffet was held in 1990, and featured just two buffet tables. Every year since then, the students have continued to add to it. The culinary arts program has also grown significantly over the years; currently, there are 34 students enrolled in the program.

This year’s buffet will be held at the GCCTC from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will feature seasonal entertainment by the Waynesburg Central High School Chorus. Admission will be $12 per person at the door, and if you have a large group (six or more) you are encouraged to contact GCCTC in advance to make reservations.

Wagner said the $12 admission fee is a terrific deal.

“Go to any fast food place and your lunch is going to cost at least eight bucks or more,” he said. “For $12, we’re going to feature an awesome feast with amazing chefs serving a smorgasbord of food, from shrimp to beef brisket, from salads to desserts. You just can’t beat the value.”

The GCCTC does not make any profit from the buffet, as all of the money collected from the admission goes toward paying for the food.

Wagner said he has already been getting phone calls and emails from community members who are excited about the buffet. However, he said that no one is more excited than the students.

“How many students get the opportunity to spend several days working with respected chefs?” Wagner said. “The chefs are going to be very inspiring to these students. They’re going to learn a lot, and they’re going to have a lot of fun. It’s going to be a great time for them, and for those in the community who come and enjoy a great buffet.”

For more information about the Christmas buffet or to make reservations for large groups, call GCCTC at 724-627-3106.